]]>Introduced last fall, the 2015 Kia Soul EV makes an arguable case to go electric with good utility and the highest EPA-rated range among all EVs not named “Tesla.”

Like any car, the all-electric version of Kia’s second-generation Soul comes with pros and cons though, and arrives at a transitional time for evolving EVs three years after Nissan’s Leaf and other sub-$40,000 EVS have set expectations, and with next-generation models on the horizon.

That said, we have liked this car since we reviewed it at the media launch last October, and gave it a drive review this March in Washington state.

This will follow-up with more observations of the yet-California-only car driven two weeks on the East Coast where it’s not actually for sale yet.

Electric Conversion

Kia actually surprised itself with the first-generation Soul when from 2009 onwards its mini-ute began selling circles around the Scion xB and for an encore, it designed the slightly longer and wider Soul last year to be converted to all-electric status.

No, don’t think of a hamster on a treadmill; think advanced genius hamsters who infuse hamster power into the EV. (See commercial video below.)

People have said Kia’s dancing hamster mascots intended to cull in gen-Y buyers are hip or cute or what have you, but more important is what the Kia Soul EV is under the skin.

Unlike converted EVs with batteries stuffed in the trunk like Ford’s otherwise competent Focus Electric, this one suspends a 600-pound, largest-in-class 27-kwh li-ion polymer pack under the car so as not to impede from the gas-version’s cargo space.

Chassis reinforcements and low center of gravity with optimal weight distribution make for a fairly graceful conversion raising questions over the virtue of purpose-made versus converted EVs.

What’s a California car doing in Pennsylvania? Good question, and KIA is not saying why the New York regional and Washington D.C. press fleets have them, but this June it is due to go to Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Texas and Georgia. Kia is keeping its options open for other markets.

The Soul EV is thus, you might say, purpose-made to be converted.

And, its three-more kilowatt-hours over the Leaf’s 24 kwh bumps EPA rated range to 93 miles versus 84 and this is not a case of over promising and under delivering, but it tends to over deliver by a small amount.

Good news is recharging is fast enough via a grille panel that pops open from a button inside to expose ports for the 6.6-kw charger, with a J1772 connector for 120/240-volt charging and supplied as-standard CHAdeMO port for 480-volt DC quick charging.

Using the latter, the Soul EV can be zapped to 80 percent full in 33 minutes, while a full charge at 240 volts will take 4 to 5 hours.

Using our Bosch Xpress EVSE limited to 24 amps on a 30-amp dedicated circuit at 247 indicated volts, level two is as advertised five-times quicker than level one house current.

The Soul comes with a 120-volt charger, but its 24-hour recharge time is glacial by comparison.

Fashionable

Those hamsters are meant to dazzle youngsters into feeling this is one cool ride, and painted up as ours was, it does overlay hipness with otherwise sensible standard fare.

More plain colors like white or gray can let you escape standing out in a vehicle that’s otherwise not very distinguishable from the near-ubiquitous Soul gas version, or there’s also a black version with red roof and accents.

In re-doing the Soul, Kia did not otherwise deviate too far from the formula that works with short overhangs, roomy interior, nice split-fold-down rear seats with privacy/security cover in the rear.

EV specific badging, a blocked-off grille, aero undertray and special wheels help to define the EV package.

Included is a special version of Kia’s UVO eServices. With built-in connectivity from Verizon and an app on their phone, Soul EV owners can get real-time battery status and can remotely start and stop charging, heating or air conditioning. Drivers can also use the standard-fit navigation system to find nearby charging stations. UVO services are free for the first five years, and the Soul EV comes with a five-year Sirius TravelLink subscription as well.

Dash layout is functional, materials are a respectable assortment of soft and hard-touch, and instruments – including EV-specific gauges and infotainment – are arranged logically enough.

The net result is a familiar automotive experience, if not exceedingly upscale for our upper level car of two available trim packages pushing over $37,000 before taxes and tags.

As Kia positions it, the zero emissions car is fanciful and fun, as indicated by a European and a U.S. commercial:

Opulent it is not, but when you look closer, touches like electric retractable mirrors, heated and cooled perforated leather seats, 8-inch screen, and energy-saving functions like Driver-Only HVAC and exotic energy saving heat pump show you are getting something special.

The package works too and proves comfortable for daily running around and occasionally stuffing things in back, even an 18-inch frame mountain bike with front wheel removed and all the gear.

100 Miles Range Can Be Enough

The EPA says 93 miles, but we’ve logged up to 110 miles with four to spare, 90-100 miles is not too tough in combined driving, and others have verified this too. Prior to EPA certification, Kia initially said up to 120 miles range would be possible in announcing its first EV outside its home market, probably based on its own sedate testing, as this might be achievable at turtle pace.

Pressed into bike-hauling duty, the Soul will work with room to spare.

Considering U.S. government studies say the average daily drive is under 40 miles, this means if you fit that profile, you may be immune to range anxiety unless a longer journey is required.

Personally, I about fit that profile, and had the Soul EV for a luxurious two full weeks and the car started to grow on me.

Once I got the new Bosch EVSE up and running to make recharging faster, I realized I had range to spare. Each day I’d come in with 50-60 remaining miles and it was no worries. The recharge was between two and three hours.

A tiny bit of space is sacrificed for the otherwise comfortable rear seats in the EV over the gas version. Also noteworthy is the interior is accented with about 53 pounds of bio-base plastics derived from cellulose and sugar cane. These are found in door panels, headliner, seat trim, roof pillars and carpeting.

Mental readjustment is necessary though. Unlike how it would be with a base $16,000 Soul, I could never have contemplated hopping in and taking the Kia back from the East Coast to where they actually sell them in California.

EVs like this are local runners, but the operating cost, no tailpipe, simplicity and drive experience are perks, the car is enjoyable, and on that note, we’ll share more on that…

The Drive

With low center of gravity, and reinforced chassis to handle the extra weight, the Soul EV takes corners respectably composed, if not laden with g-forces.

Operation as one would expect is very hushed, and no squeaks and rattles that one might have heard were noticed to add to the thrum of the super low rolling resistance EV specific tires.

Part of the long range is this is not an overpowered beast. You can’t waste too many electrons if you tried, as is the case with powerful EVs meant to push you into the back seat and simulate a take-off in a SpaceX rocket heading to Mars.

No, the Soul is frugal, no nonsense, gets the job done, but never feels so slow as to be a safety hazard. On the highway, power is always available to run with and even ahead of the flow.

Zero to 60 around 11.2 seconds is maybe half a second or more slower than a current Prius – which is quicker than the former generation Prius – and in other words within range of standard deviation for eco cars.

A function on the transmission called “Brake” (B) common to electrified vehicles significantly adds regenerative energy and you might see range go up a mile or two with enough coast-downs.

It’s so useful, we wish there were regen paddles to activate it in lieu of a brake, as moving the shifter every time you come to a stop is burdensome, and may even wear out something in the mechanism over the years, so we would not recommend doing this.

The Soul also has an Eco function that’s progressively settable. It can so rein in the power as to initially make you wonder if the car is broken. Eco is not much fun, but will save some energy, that’s for sure.

Speaking of broken, it may have been a fluke, but two times the Soul EV inexplicably went into a limp mode with power drastically and immediately cut.

The first time it happened just as we came off a highway which was fortunate as the car would no go past 44 indicated mph. Dash lights came on to alert there was a fault, and we nursed it home.

We were afraid to shut off and reboot thinking it may just leave us stranded, but actually, when we arrived at our destination, we did just that, and just as mysteriously, the car began operating normally, capable again of chirping the front tires with the abrupt torque.

The next time this happened a few days later, we shut the car off, restarted, and it was fixed again. Go figure.

Is this a concern? One instance with this press fleet car does not an issue make, but we’re noting it.

Economics

The base model starts at $33,700 plus $850 destination charge. It and a $35,700 plus $850 destination Soul EV+ are nicely equipped and you can factor off applicable federal or state incentives.

The Soul EV is packed with options above a base gas version and with surcharge on top of that for the electric conversion. A base stripped Soul starts at below $16,000 and add a few thousand for a nicely equipped one.

We said Kia has the highest EPA-rated range other than a Tesla, and that’s technically true, but Mercedes-Benz roughly $42,000 B-Class Electric has an 8-kwh reserve adding to 36-kwh, and an extra 17 miles over its rated 87. It’s powered by Tesla.

To be sure, this is a luxurious car positioned at a youthful demographic, but really, its price is within league of the $30,000 and up Leaf and Focus and a few others and it’s thus competitive among peers.

A $7,500 federal tax credit and state incentives as applicable help, but as many other EV adopters have discovered, this car too may be a better candidate for a lease.

Leasing for as low as $249 monthly with $1,999 down could make this Kia more appealing. Leasing may make all the more sense too, as this is an awkward time for EVs.

Next Benchmark Coming

In February we noted three new EVs in the mid 30s are pending in the next 1-3 years that will offer 200-250 mile range.

Chevy Bolt concept.

These are the Chevy Bolt, Tesla Model 3 and second-generation Leaf. A rumor also has it that Nissan may update the 2016 Leaf with a 30-kwh battery for 105 miles or so range as a stop-gap measure before a full redesign the year following, and that also would make it more competitive next to the Kia.

That said, these promised cars are long on rumors, and short on specifics about actual performance, range, design, and much more. No one has even seen the next Tesla or Nissan, but the pre-production Bolt is out being road tested. GM has not confirmed the model year even for that.

So really, these double-the-range cars have as-of-yet uncertain launch dates and may not be available in 2017 or even 2018, though unofficial reports suggest they could be here in that time frame.

For those who want an EV now, leasing a Soul EV for three years could mean not having to wait a year or two more and potential downsides associated with ownership could be eliminated without having to wait.

Kia Is Still Very Competitive

The irony of the state of affairs in the sub-$40,000 EV market is Kia’s EV is just now rolling out to new markets. It’s later than others, but being spec’d marginally better and the only electric small SUV it may be one of the best EVs going in this price class, if you can get it.

The automaker for now sells it only in California. This summer, the Soul EV will go on sale in Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Texas and Georgia – and actually at least one dealer in Olympia, Wash. has it already.

Kia hasn’t announced any other markets but has told us it will continue to review its next steps.

Thus our next step – with asterisk attached – is to reiterate we like what this car delivers and think for some it could indeed fill the bill.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/2015-kia-soul-ev-drive-review-video/feed/0Kia Soul EV Beats 132 Miles Rangehttp://www.hybridcars.com/kia-soul-ev-beats-132-miles-range/
http://www.hybridcars.com/kia-soul-ev-beats-132-miles-range/#commentsThu, 08 Jan 2015 05:47:44 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=237282Can the Soul EV really attain its official UK homologated range of 132 miles? Next Green Car gave it a try. To prove the homologated range of 132 miles of the Soul EV, Kia Motors UK set up a real-world range test, neutrally conducted by external eco and green car experts, Next Green Car. For […]

]]>Can the Soul EV really attain its official UK homologated range of 132 miles? Next Green Car gave it a try.

To prove the homologated range of 132 miles of the Soul EV, Kia Motors UK set up a real-world range test, neutrally conducted by external eco and green car experts, Next Green Car.

For reference, in the U.S., the Soul EV has an EPA-estimated driving range of 93 miles and MPGe of 92 miles on the highway and 120 miles in the city (105 miles combined).

Navigating the highs and lows of Somerset and Wiltshire’s cities, towns, villages and countryside, a specially designed route was planned to ensure all types of road and traffic environments were included. Bristol’s bumper to bumper traffic, huge descents and ascents of sweeping countryside road network, busy A and B roads, plus the high speed demands of the M4 were all part of the route to ensure real world accuracy, and to replicate many consumers’ daily journeys, stated Kia.

Bringing further authenticity to the test, Kia said the weather was not favorable. With an average temperature of 8 degrees centigrade (46.4 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the day, coupled with both light and heavy rain, it dampened performance slightly, triggered heavier traffic and used more battery power for on board heating, windshield wipers and headlights. In addition to these factors, Kia said the driver was using satellite navigation, heated seats and radio, as with every day driving.

Result: the full range achieved on this test was 125.3 miles, with a conservative estimate of a further nine miles shown on the display; for a total range potential of 134.9 miles.

Kia added a diagnostics report run on the vehicle soon after the test showed the battery still had 13 percent battery remaining, which equates to 15 miles when calculated against the homologated range of 132, meaning a realistic potential range of 140.3.

The Korean company added it believes there were more miles to be had considering the Soul EV’s regenerative braking system, teamed with available driver controlled functions to extend range – limited use of on-board electronics, air conditioning, driving frugally etc.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/kia-soul-ev-beats-132-miles-range/feed/02015 Kia Soul EV Starts At $33,700http://www.hybridcars.com/2015-kia-soul-ev-starts-at-33700/
http://www.hybridcars.com/2015-kia-soul-ev-starts-at-33700/#commentsFri, 12 Sep 2014 05:02:01 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=191073Pricing for the all-electric version of the Kia Soul has been revealed. The Soul EV will be offered initially in California in two trims, Base and + (Plus), with MSRPs of $33,700 (not including federal tax rebate of $7,500) for the Base and $35,700 for the Plus (not including federal tax rebate of $7,500). Kia […]

]]>Pricing for the all-electric version of the Kia Soul has been revealed.

The Soul EV will be offered initially in California in two trims, Base and + (Plus), with MSRPs of $33,700 (not including federal tax rebate of $7,500) for the Base and $35,700 for the Plus (not including federal tax rebate of $7,500).

Kia added it expects to launch the vehicle with an introductory lease price of $249 per month, and the Soul EV boasts best-in-class EPA-estimated range of 93 miles and MPGe of 92 miles on the highway and 120 miles in the city (105 miles combined).

The $249 per month lease Kia refers to is for the base model, on a 36 months agreement with $1,999 due at signing after the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit has been applied to reduce cost of lease. For starters, the Soul EV will be available only in California for its October launch. In 2015, Kia said it hopes to introduce it to states that follow California’s zero-emission rules. These could possibly be Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Of its first EV to be positioned as globally available, Kia highlighted that the Soul EV has been honored with an industry-first automotive environmental validation by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) for its use of bio-based materials.

“With our iconic urban passenger vehicle’s wildly popular style and functionality mated to eco-friendly electric-drive technology that delivers best-in-class range, we’re confident that the Soul EV represents a winning combination,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Kia Motors America. “And with a starting MSRP of less than $34,000 (not including federal tax rebate of $7,500) and an expected introductory lease price of $249 per month, it represents a compelling value as well.”

Also, Kia explained every Soul EV comes standard with UVO EV Services, which provide real-time battery-level status, distance to empty, and the ability to search for nearby charging stations. From the UVO EV smartphone app, owners can preset charging time and charging level ratios, as well as precondition the vehicle cabin with remote control of the HVAC presets.

The top of the range Soul EV Plus, priced at $35,700 (not including federal tax rebate of $7,500), adds, per Kia, EV-unique leather trimmed seats, which are tri-level heated and ventilated for front passengers, while the rear outboard seats are heated for added comfort. The Plus also includes projection-style fog lamps and power-folding outside mirrors.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/2015-kia-soul-ev-starts-at-33700/feed/0Kia’s Soul EV Meets New Animalshttp://www.hybridcars.com/kias-soul-ev-meets-new-animals/
http://www.hybridcars.com/kias-soul-ev-meets-new-animals/#commentsFri, 22 Aug 2014 05:44:49 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=182889Kia’s hamsters are back. In the latest installment of Kia Motors America’s ad campaign, the hamsters are found inhabiting a high-tech, high-energy laboratory and unleashing their inner mad scientists to create an eco-friendly Soul. Kia said set to the infectious beat of Maroon5’s never-before-heard song “Animals,” sparks fly and jaws drop when a surge of […]

]]>Kia’s hamsters are back. In the latest installment of Kia Motors America’s ad campaign, the hamsters are found inhabiting a high-tech, high-energy laboratory and unleashing their inner mad scientists to create an eco-friendly Soul.

Kia said set to the infectious beat of Maroon5’s never-before-heard song “Animals,” sparks fly and jaws drop when a surge of electricity leads to the discovery of a furry new friend and the all-electric, zero emissions 2015 Soul EV.

As part of the multi-platform “Fully Charged” campaign, Kia.com said it is exclusively offering 200,000 free downloads of “Animals” before its release on iTunes.

Created by David&Goliath, Kia’s advertising agency of record, an extended cut of “Fully Charged” is available now at www.Kia.com/KiaSoul before the spot’s broadcast debut this coming weekend during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, August 24.

“From hip-hop to pop, the hamsters have always had an ear for music and their paws on the pulse of pop culture. This year, the smartly dressed trio are breaking new music from Grammy Award-winners Maroon5 and celebrating the expansion of Kia’s line of eco-conscious vehicles by sharing ‘Animals’ for free at Kia.com,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, KMA. “Kia is recognized as one of the 50 Best Global Green Brands4, and with the Soul EV about to shake things up in a category not known for head-turning good looks, the hamsters are out to prove that eye-catching style and eco-efficiency are no longer mutually exclusive.”

Scheduled to go on sale in the third quarter, Soul EV is described by the company as the centerpiece of Kia’s Clean Mobility program and the brand’s first-ever mass-marketed electric vehicle.

This Kia EV introduces new aerodynamic styling cues and is the first vehicle in the world to receive Underwriters Laboratory’s (UL) environmental validation for its integration of 10 percent bio-based material in the interior, stated Kia.

The powertrain is comprised of a 27 kilowatt-hour lithium ion polymer battery and a 81 kilowatt electric motor, producing 210 pound-feet of torque, which drives front wheels and is expected to yield a range of approximately 80-100 miles of real-world driving on a full charge, according to Kia.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/kias-soul-ev-meets-new-animals/feed/0Kia Uses Novel HVAC Technologies For Soul EVhttp://www.hybridcars.com/kia-uses-novel-hvac-technologies-for-soul-ev/
http://www.hybridcars.com/kia-uses-novel-hvac-technologies-for-soul-ev/#commentsWed, 12 Feb 2014 05:05:20 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=122241Kia’s upcoming Soul EV will benefit from cold-tested heating and ventilation benifiting both the driver and the battery. The automaker announced a comprehensive winter testing program is currently being carried for the Soul EV pure electric vehicle ahead of its launch in the second half of 2014. Engineers are subjecting the car to the most […]

]]>Kia’s upcoming Soul EV will benefit from cold-tested heating and ventilation benifiting both the driver and the battery.

The automaker announced a comprehensive winter testing program is currently being carried for the Soul EV pure electric vehicle ahead of its launch in the second half of 2014. Engineers are subjecting the car to the most extreme sub-zero conditions that Soul EV owners are likely to experience during the colder months of the year.

The primary focus for the vehicle’s validation test in Swedish Lapland is, per Kia, the introduction of all-new Kia heating and ventilation technologies. These include a driver-only ventilation system that improves the efficiency of the batteries and increases the vehicle’s overall driving range.

Early on in the development of the Soul EV, Kia engineers identified the need to dramatically reduce energy consumption of the HVAC systems, said Kia. In the worst case scenario, the maximum use of HVAC under extreme cold conditions could potentially reduce an electric vehicle’s effective range by up to 50 percent.

To address this challenge, Kia said engineers implemented four new HVAC technologies designed to reduce energy usage in the Soul EV – a highly efficient new heat pump, smart air induction control, individual ventilation (for driver only) and scheduled ventilation.

Kia explained the new heat pump utilizes waste heat from the air-conditioning and electrical systems to improve the energy efficiency of the HVAC system and improve the car’s ability to efficiently heat up the cabin, thus minimizing electricity consumption from the battery. The system, made up of a compressor, evaporator and condenser, allows the Soul EV’s HVAC system to harness the waste heat given off by electrical components. Instead of relying entirely on the electricity from the battery to heat the cabin to the driver’s desired temperature, the heat pump recycles heat energy emitted by the electronics to increase the efficiency of the heating and ventilation systems.

By reducing the load on the battery, the heat pump cuts energy consumption from the HVAC system and increases the overall driving range of the Soul EV, added Kia.

Working in conjunction with the heat pump, the Soul EV is said by Kia to also be fitted with a new smart air intake control system, which monitors and controls the amount of air entering and exiting the vehicle, as well as the humidity level in the cabin.

Kia added the air intake control recycles the air that has already been heated or cooled by the HVAC system, then carefully introduces the optimum amount of fresh air to the cabin. By better controlling the air flow inside the vehicle, the HVAC system is able to cool or heat the cabin more efficiently and minimize the use of the heating or air-conditioning during a drive. The system relies on a humidity sensor, temperature control and an intake actuator to monitor and control the in-flow of fresh air to the cabin.

Additionally, Kia revealed the Soul EV is fitted with a new individual ventilation system and Kia believes this is the first time such technology has been introduced to any production vehicle. This reduces energy consumption by only providing ventilation and heating to the driver, completely shutting off heating and ventilation to the foot-well and dashboard ventilation on the passenger side. This is in contrast to existing vehicles on the road, in which closing the vents merely diverts hot or cold air through other vents in the car while energy consumption remains the same.

The individual ventilation system is activated using the ‘driver only’ button on the dashboard.

Kia also stated the Soul EV is equipped with a new pre-conditioning or scheduled ventilation system. Accessing the car’s heating system through the car’s HMI interface, users can schedule their vehicle to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin 30 minutes before they start the car. The system works while the car is plugged in and reduces load on the battery when the Soul EV starts running. Instead, the cabin is cooled or heated using power from the grid, ensuring the vehicle is already at the driver’s preferred temperature before departure.

The Soul EV is powered by an 81.4 kilowatt electric motor and a high-capacity 27 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion polymer battery pack located beneath the cabin. The motor delivers its power to the front wheels through a single speed reduction gear set, allowing the Soul EV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 12 seconds, on to a top speed of 90 mph. Kia engineers said they are targeting a driving range of over 124 miles.

A battery heating system is also fitted to the Soul EV, designed to insulate and warm up the battery in order to minimize the adverse effects of sub-zero temperatures.

The Soul EV will be Kia’s first globally-sold electric vehicle and is due to start production in the second half of the year.

The car is scheduled to go on sale across Europe and North America later in 2014.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/kia-uses-novel-hvac-technologies-for-soul-ev/feed/0UK Journalists Drive Kia Soul EV Prototypehttp://www.hybridcars.com/uk-journalists-drive-kia-soul-ev-prototype/
http://www.hybridcars.com/uk-journalists-drive-kia-soul-ev-prototype/#commentsWed, 13 Nov 2013 16:25:25 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=92561Kia grabbed headlines this week by promising a “120” mile range for its converted 2015 Soul EV to be launched next year, and while a prototype is proving reasonably satisfying to drive, harder usage may see this number brought lower. According to Autocar, the Korean automaker is shooting for “124 miles on a full charge […]

]]>Kia grabbed headlines this week by promising a “120” mile range for its converted 2015 Soul EV to be launched next year, and while a prototype is proving reasonably satisfying to drive, harder usage may see this number brought lower.

According to Autocar, the Korean automaker is shooting for “124 miles on a full charge in optimum conditions: similar to Nissan’s claim for the Leaf and more than the Ford Focus EV.”

“Optimum conditions” would likely not include a majority of highway driving, but rather slower speeds.

Not that 120 miles is a record, but for a car that could sticker for near or less than the Nissan Leaf, it would be a new benchmark at this level.

Its design as a compact crossover is also compelling to EV fans wanting more choices, and this much appears pretty well set, while other specs are still being fine tuned.

For example, Kia is still discussing with three battery suppliers which will get the contract for the Soul EV’s energy storage – to be tucked under the rear seat, thus not compromising cargo capacity overly much.

Weight however is up by over 440 pounds, and to mildly compensate will be the requisite low rolling resistance tires, as well as aerodynamic tweaks, a mildly reshaped hood, and for styling distinctiveness, the car will get new lights too.

Claimed performance figiures include a 0-62 mph time of under 12 seconds, top speed of 90 mph, and recharge time from 240 volts in under five hours with a fast charge option of 80 percent in 25 minutes.

Bear in mind the car driven was a test mule so initial road impressions, while telling, are subject to revision.

The Soul EV is based on the wider platform from the Kia Cee’d. Wheelbase is 20mm longer, body is 29-percent stiffer than the first generation Soul, and the suspension is updated to compensate.

The actual range was never tested unfortunately, but with a spec calling for 27 kwh battery pack compared to the Leaf’s 24 kwh, EV fans are already bracing themselves for a possible case of over-promise, under-deliver, and more sobering numbers under the EPA test cycle.

Autocar says drive characteristics are otherwise within what one might expect. Initial takeoff is quick with the torque instantly available, and steering is light and ideal for urban regions.

At speeds the steering does the job but offers little feedback and regenerative braking is set so heavily that coasting to conserve energy is not much of an option for the test mule as set up.

Whether this is changed to an optional “B” mode for the production car according to industry practice was not reported.

Bumps in the road are handled OK by the prototype but handling at this point is “a touch ponderous” despite revised suspension geometry.

Kia’s marketing copy mentions a Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) to alert pedestrians at sub-12-mph speeds and in reverse.

But don’t expect this to sound like a rumbling V8 – on the contrary, Autocar describes it as “akin to the chime of a distant ice cream van.”

While the UK journalists were able to poke and prod where possible, Kia is otherwise staying tight-lipped on any further details.

The pre-subsidy price estimated in the UK is under £25,000 ($40,000) – within the price range of a well-equipped Leaf, and well below a £35,255 ($56,300) starting price for a Chevy Volt.

Initial import quantities to the UK will be limited, and as for the U.S., Kia refused to say whether it would be a limited-basis roll-out, nor longer term plans.

The small but effective utility vehicle does promise a new player in the EV category that could fill needs not met by the few present offerings.

EV fans can only hope the “124” mile range estimate told to UK journalists is not too far off real world attainability.